In Palestine it’s olive #harvesting season again, and International Land Coalition member, the Palestinian Farmers’ Union (اتحاد جمعيات المزارعين الفلسطينيين – Palestinian Farmers Union) has an urgent call to action:
“The olive #harvest, which is an integral part of Palestinian heritage and the main source of income for more than 100,000 #farmer families, is now under threat due to the increasing violence from settlers, perpetrated under the protection and support of Israeli forces.
In the last year’s harvest, and due to settlers’ violence against farmers, 40% of Palestinian farmers were unable to access their land during the olive season, leading to losses totalling up to $25 million.”
Palestinian Farmers’ Union (PFU) Demands:
- Immediate International Protection: We demand the deployment of international teams to protect Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest season. The presence of international observers can help deter attacks and provide safety for farmers facing settler violence.
- Accountability for Perpetrators: The international community must pressure the Israeli government to hold settlers and their leaders accountable for crimes committed against Palestinian farmers. Impunity only escalates violence and encourages further violations.
- Ban on Settlement Products: We call for an international ban on the entry of settlement products into global markets. These products are cultivated on stolen land and produced through illegal means, requiring a firm stand from the international community.
- Protection of Palestinian Agricultural Heritage: The #olivetree is not just an economic source; it is a symbol of the Palestinian people’s #resilience. We urge the international community to work to protect this heritage from destruction and distortion.
- Humanitarian and Legal Support for Farmers: We call on international organizations to provide legal and humanitarian support to farmers who are attacked, ensuring their right to safe access to their land.